Adirondack Museum to close Lake Placid store

BLUE MOUNTAIN - While the economy may be making small steps toward improvement, the downturn is still causing local businesses to struggle. The Adirondack Museum recently announced they will be closing their satellite retail facility, Adirondack Museum on Main Store and Gallery in Lake Placid.

The store, which opened in 2003, was an initial step in the museum's long-range plan to reach out to communities in the Adirondack Park. Lake Placid, the region's premier resort destination, was considered the optimal location to begin this endeavor. The store will close Oct. 30, according to museum marketing director Susan Dineen.

"The subsequent and continuing economic downturn have forced a strategic re-thinking of the museum's plans," said Dineen.

Currently, it is no long fiscally feasible for the Adirondack Museum to operate two retail operations and maintain a growing on-line sales presence. The Adirondack Museum will now concentrate staff effort and monetary resources on the Blue Mountain Lake campus store, which will remain open, according to Dineen.

In making the announcement, Adirondack Museum director Caroline M. Welsh expressed her gratitude for ongoing support for the museum from Lake Placid residents and elected officials, and pledged to maintain ties with the community through programs and collaborations.